A delegation from Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water recently visited Lark Energy’s solar farm at Hanson Cement’s Ketton plant in the UK. The visit was part of the delegation’s fact-finding tour, the aim of which is to learn how various forms of energy are being developed and utilised in the UK. In addition to the Malaysian Energy Minister, Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, the delegation comprised senior representatives from the Energy and National Water Services Commissions, Sustainable Energy Development Authority, Malaysia Green Technology Corporation, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Energy Ventures Division.

The 9 MWp solar farm is located at a former quarry site belonging to Hanson Cement. It will generate enough energy to account for approximately 10% of the cement plant’s annual consumption. The project, which was developed in partnership with the cement manufacturer and Armstrong Energy, is currently in its first phase. There are plans to build a further 3 MWp later in 2014.

“We are delighted to have hosted such a distinguished delegation from Malaysia to the solar farm,” Jonathan Selwyn, Managing Director of Lark Energy. “The project is a great example of how large scale solar can be deployed on previously used industrial land and where all the energy can be utilised directly by nearby businesses. We hope that the visit has proved useful to the delegation and that it can assist the emerging solar sector in their country.”